Brian Fuchs, Climatologist
National Drought Mitigation Center School of Natural Resources
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Drought Early Warning System:What is needed?
NWS Shreveport, LARegional Climate Conference
August 26-27, 2014
Outline
The National Drought Mitigation CenterPlanning for DroughtCurrent Drought ConditionsEl Nino?Seasonal Drought OutlookQuestions
Established in 1995Founder: Dr. Don WilhiteCurrent Director: Dr. Mike HayesThe NDMC is a soft money, grant funded organizationCurrent staff: 16 people, tremendous diversity of expertise
National Drought Mitigation Center
National Drought Mitigation Center
Mission: To lessen societal vulnerability to drought by promoting planning and the adoption of appropriate risk management techniques.
www.drought.unl.edu
drought.unl.edu
Tools for Planning: NDMC and NIDIS
Planning at all scalesAll droughts are “local”Planning should start locally and involve the “locals”Planning is a
“living” process
National Drought Policy Act, 1998
33.56% of the CONUS in Drought
U.S. Drought Monitor Change Map
12 Month Change
http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/season_drought.png
Any Questions ?
Brian Fuchs [email protected] 402-472-6775
National Drought Mitigation Center School of Natural Resources
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Contact Information: